Fabiola Mushi
Rwanda’s ruling party selected President Paul Kagame as its candidate for the July election, setting the stage for a widely anticipated contest that is likely to see the longtime leader secure a fourth seven-year term in office.
At 66 years old, Kagame has been at the helm of the landlocked African nation for decades, having won the presidency in elections held in 2003, 2010, and 2017 with over 90% of the vote.
During the Rwandan Patriotic Front congress, which concluded on Saturday, Kagame’s candidacy went unopposed, as confirmed by the party.
While accepting the nomination, Kagame called on the ruling party to prepare for a transition beyond his leadership. He emphasized the weight of responsibility in leading the country, likening it to a shock absorber against the daily challenges faced, and stressed the importance of having the right mindset.
“I embrace this responsibility, but I also urge for someone to eventually take over this responsibility from me,” Kagame stated.
In the upcoming July polls, Kagame’s sole known challenger is opposition Green Party leader Frank Habineza.
